Thursday, May 8th, 2025

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Good morning, Ann Arbor. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Food Gatherers CEO Eileen Spring addressed City Council on May 5 asking for help to cover a $2.5 million shortfall caused by federal cuts and cancelled grants — the nonprofit currently uses reserves to support over 140 partner programs serving around 60,000 people in the county. Council will decide the city’s budget on May 19 while local leaders weigh whether to allocate additional funds. MLive
- ➤ Ann Arbor prepares for the 45th Huron River Day Festival on Sunday, May 18 at Gallup Park—where attendees can enjoy canoeing, live music, educational exhibits and local food—and local musician Laith Al-Saadi, a finalist on NBC's The Voice, will perform two one-hour sets at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. MLive
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR BOXABL, founded by a father-son team, is building foldable, affordable homes shipped within hours, with 600+ already delivered and new family-sized units underway. Invest now in scalable housing tech making "home" possible for more families everywhere. BOXABL
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Ann Arbor.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On May 7, dozens of pedestrians and cyclists played dead near Fourth Avenue and Huron after a fatal crash killed 79-year-old Robert Murray in a wheelchair when a 22-year-old driver—allegedly under the influence—struck him while he was crossing, and protest organizer Peter Houk urged MDOT and city leaders to make immediate safety changes. MLive
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Blue Lion Fitness moved today to a larger facility at 2875 W. Liberty Road after its old location on Maple Road became too crowded—co-owners Ryan Van Bergen and Daniel Roth plan to break ground next month on a new 20,000-square-foot indoor training facility to better serve local athletes and community members. MLive
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Authorities used a battering ram to enter a home on April 23 in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Canton as part of an investigation into a dozen vandalism incidents tied to pro-Palestine protests + charges against some demonstrators were later dropped while experts said the law enforcement approach shows a push and pull between officials and protesters. MLive
- ➤ A lawsuit filed against the Michigan Department of Corrections alleges that officers at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility used body cameras during routine strip searches, an invasive practice that traumatized 20 inmates among 500 who claim their privacy was violated & that officials only amended the policy in March while some practices continued. All About Ann Arbor
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Ann Arbor Summer Festival will host its Top of the Park free summer concert series from June 13-29 at Ingalls Mall with multiple performances set on nearby stages. The event will also include family-friendly offerings — featuring KidZone activities for children, a nightly retreat series beginning at 5:30 p.m., and varied Annex programming. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Michigan Department of Transportation said two westbound lanes on I-94 from Jackson Avenue to Parker Road and one lane on M-14 from Maple Road to I-94 will close from 10 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday, and complete ramp and freeway shutdowns will occur Saturday from midnight to 7 a.m. (drivers should plan extra travel time). MLive
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ The new restaurant Tabe at 209 S. Main St. in downtown Ann Arbor offers Asian fusion dishes like sushi tacos and beef short ribs with wasabi-infused mashed potatoes - echoing tastes from two former local sushi spots. It serves a menu that lets fish, rice and seaweed speak for themselves while providing a fresh take on classic flavors. MLive
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A historic Ann Arbor mansion built for the founders of Chelsea’s Jiffy Mix factory is on the market at 809 Berkshire Road after a complete restoration that preserved its original woodwork and architectural details—modern updates now add convenience. The five-bedroom home offers 5,200 square feet on a double lot and sits less than a mile from Nichols Arboretum—making it a refined blend of historic charm and contemporary style. MLive
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Ink Flower Painting Workshop
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Gutman Gallery — $25 — Create a beautiful ink and marker flower still life in time for Mother’s Day.
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Babies & Brews at Bløm
4-6 p.m. — Bløm Mead + Cider — Food and beverages available — A community gathering for parents and caregivers to relax and socialize while enjoying refreshments.
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Joan Shelley Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — The Ark — $25 — Experience the melodic storytelling of Joan Shelley inspired by traditional folk roots.
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Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Wolverines Baseball
6-10 p.m. — Ray Fisher Stadium — Cost info not specified — Catch an exciting college baseball matchup featuring the Hoosiers and Wolverines.
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Coffee, Coworking, and Cocktails
2-5:30 p.m. — Dozer Coffee — Free entry — Get work done amongst others while enjoying social interactions before and after the coworking session.
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Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Wolverines Baseball
1-5 p.m. — Ray Fisher Stadium — Cost info not available — Enjoy a thrilling baseball matchup between Indiana and Michigan.
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Jacob Jolliff Band Performance
8-9:30 p.m. — The Ark — $25 — Experience the cutting-edge sounds of one of today's premier contemporary mandolinists and his band.
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Ann Arbor SPARK Annual Meeting
The Ann Arbor SPARK Annual Meeting celebrates the region’s economic development successes, highlighting key initiatives, business growth, and innovation in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities. The event brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders to recognize impactful collaborations and share insights on the future of the local economy.
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Ann Arbor SPARK Annual Meeting
The Ann Arbor SPARK Annual Meeting celebrates the region’s economic development successes, highlighting key initiatives, business growth, and innovation in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities. The event brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders to recognize impactful collaborations and share insights on the future of the local economy.
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Sake Tasting with Chris Johnson
6-7 p.m. — Everyday Wines — Ticket required — Experience high-end sakes paired with delightful appetizers under the guidance of a Sake Samurai.
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Glass Cannon Live
8-9:30 p.m. — The Ark — $Varies — Enjoy a night of off-the-wall comedy and epic storytelling with your favorite nerds.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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